Fire at Springfield bar, location of deadly shooting being investigated as arson, police say
A fire at a Springfield bar where a deadly shooting happened just days before is under investigation as a possible arson.
Firefighters were called out to Club Hollywood on East Pleasant Street late Monday night on reports of a fire.
Springfield Police Sgt. James Byron confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the fire itself was being investigated as arson.
Just days before, on Thanksgiving, Shyheim Gibson was shot and killed inside the bar, which was full of people.
Byron said police are asking for the public’s help as they gather more information to get answers for Gibson’s family.
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“We’re doing what we can for his family. This was a senseless act and our job is to provide justice for his family,” Byron said.
Investigators would not confirm if the two incidents were connected, but they did make it clear they are looking into that possibility.
Police also said that since June, there have been 32 calls for service at Club Hollywood, not including Monday night’s arson.
“We have had multiple calls at this establishment, especially over the last six months. But the fact that we had two calls in the last few days, both with very suspicious circumstances, that is something we are looking at,” Byron said.
